In Baloch households, superstitious beliefs are more than mere tradition. They shape their daily lives and guide them on what to avoid and what to hope for. While these practices often defy scientific explanations, they serve as protective shields for those who follow them with deep conviction.
These age-old beliefs influence daily decisions, from how to safeguard one's health to ways of attracting wealth and good fortune – even in modern times. In Balochi folklore, superstitions are often associated with colours, body sensations, sensory experiences, and daily activities.
Superstitions Associated with Colours:
Black: Black is often regarded as bad luck amongst the Baloch, and is said to be the colour of widows, due to which newly-weds are often forbidden from wearing black colour. It is said that if newlyweds wear black, it may lead to serious consequences, such as the death of their husbands.
Blue: Blue is considered a protective colour, often used in amulets or clothing to ward off the evil eye. Occasionally, a bride may wear blue on her wedding night, and such brides are said to be “Qol-o-Masagi,” which means they have been blessed to their parents after vowing or calling upon saints, after years of infertility or the loss of their children. The parents make them wear blue to protect them from harm.
Red: Red is regarded as the colour of brides and women in happy marriages. It is often seen as disrespectful for a bride not to wear red, which may indicate she is not happy in her marriage. When a widow or divorcee wears red this means she is ready for her second marriage, and it invites the men of society to send proposals. In Balochistan, young girls are often forbidden to wear red and bright colours before their marriage, as these colours are traditionally associated with married women.
Superstitions Associated with Body Sensations:
There are superstitions associated with itchy palms. It is believed if the right palm itches, the person is likely to receive money. Whereas, itching in the left palm indicates the loss of money. Similarly, itching on the instep of the feet is believed to indicate that the person will soon be leaving for a journey.
When a baby has hiccups, a thread from the mother’s Jeeg-a-poll (a small bunch of threads embroidered on the chest of a balochi dress), is taken and placed on the nose of the baby. This is done as an alternative remedy since the baby can not drink water.
It is believed if a person experiences twitching in the right eye, they will soon receive good news. Conversely, twitching in the left eye indicates that they may encounter a problem or receive bad news.
It is considered forbidden for a pregnant woman to scratch her itches during a lunar eclipse, as it is believed it may cause scratches on the same place of the baby's body and can cause some serious injuries or marks on the child.
Superstitions Associated with Sensory Experiences:
Sochuki is a type of incense often burned in rooms to ward off the evil eye. But it is not encouraged to burn it in washrooms, as it is believed to attract evil spirits.
It is said that if you suddenly get goosebumps for no apparent reason, it may be a reminder from your grave, known as a “call from the grave.”
Superstitions Associated with Daily Activities:
It is thought that if a bottle, glass, or any open-ended containers are pointing towards you can cause serious quarrels and fights, as someone will most likely accuse you of something you haven’t done.
It is believed that sweeping around sunset prevents blessings from entering the house, and is considered evil for the head of the family. Similarly, sweeping behind someone who is leaving for a journey is thought to bring hardships upon that person.
In Balochistan, people avoid doing laundry on Fridays, as it is believed that the dirt and the impurity from the fabrics would compromise the sanctity of the day.
Widows and divorcees are forbidden from participating in dressing up the bride. It is believed that if they come into contact with the bride during the wedding ceremony, the bride will be affected by their luck, bringing misfortune to her.
It is widely believed that if a woman tends to forget things, she should pick one edge of her scarf, say the task or message aloud, tie a knot in it, and later puff it. The knot will serve as a reminder, helping her recall the chore, news, or message when she sees it.
These superstitions are often considered outdated by some people and no longer believed in today's world. However, there are still families who follow these beliefs blindly, and the newer generations continue to follow them without questioning them.
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